Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ikemajima is a small box-shaped islet less than 1 mile (just 1.5 kilometers) above Miyako's
northern end. At its longest, it's more than 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) and at its widest about
1 mile (1.5 kilometers). The island's area is about 1 square mile (2.83 square kilometers) and
its shoreline circumference is 3.75 miles (6 kilometers). Its highest point is reported at 92 feet
(28 meters).
The island's only village, Ikema (
池間
) is at the southern end, near the bridge. Ikema's
port used to be the ferry terminus. Now it's only a local fishing harbor. Virtually every one of
the island's 800 residents lives in the village. The rest of Ikemajima is planted in sugarcane,
except the center.
The 1-mile (1.5-kilometer)-long Kurima Great Bridge connecting Kurimajima and Miyakojima.
Ōgamijima (“Great God”) Island has an observation platform at the top with a good view.
Unusually, Ikema has a fairly large central freshwater pond and several dozen acres of
surrounding marshland. It's called the Ikema Wildlife Sanctuary (
池間鳥獣保護区
; Ikema
chōjū hogo-ku). A marked dirt road leads to the marsh and there's a viewing platform at the
parking lot. The marsh is unusual because the composition of most coral limestone islands
in the Ryukyus usually allows water to escape by draining away. In fact, holding freshwater
drinking supplies in reservoirs on most islands in Okinawa is generally a challenge. If they
are not solid concrete, they must be lined with some type of impermeable barrier in order to
hold water. For whatever reason, this marshland maintains its water year round. Many birds
find this critical to their survival and nest here.
